Docudrama in Bedford shows perils of police work

BEDFORD - The New Hampshire premiere of "Heroes Behind the Badge" will be shown Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Bedford High School auditorium, Bedford police officer Christopher Storti said.

The movie examines how death and serious bodily injury affect police officers' families, their fellow officers and the communities where they work.

Because of the graphic nature of the footage, the movie is not recommended for children below the age of 14, Storti said.

Storti, president of the Bedford police officers' union, said his organization felt the movie was so important for the public to see that the union raised the money needed so residents could watch it for free.

"Normally, the costs for showing the movie are financed by charging a $20 ticket," said Storti, who added that most of the money raised to bring the movie to Bedford doesn't go to the movie's producers, but rather to the National Law Enforcement Memorial, which will be the focal point of observances marking National Police Week.

Several area businesses have contributed to the effort to bring the movie to town, but Storti said Bedford police still need to raise another $3,000 to cover costs. Anyone who would like to make a donation can make a check out to the Bedford Police Association, and mail it or drop it off at the Bedford Police Department. In addition, during the evening of the showing, contributions to benefit the Police, Fire and EMS Foundation of New Hampshire will be accepted.

On the morning of the premiere, the Bedford Police Association and the police department will host a motorcycle run to raise money for the showing. The motorcycle run is being sponsored by Carrabba's Italian Grill, Blowin Smoke Cigars, Spectrum Marketing and Ashton Cigar.

Registration for the event begins at 9:30 a.m., and the run will begin at 10 a.m. from 132 Bedford Center Road. The event is open to all riders, and law enforcement officers and agencies are encouraged to attend, Storti said.

Storti said the ride will include a stop at the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial in Concord, where riders will pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers from New Hampshire. The ride will end with a lunch provided by Carrabba's and a complimentary cigar from Blowin Smoke of Bedford and Ashton Cigars. Reservations for the motorcycle run can be made by contacting officer Rob Lavoie at rlavoie@bedfordnh.org or by calling 472-5113, ext. 227, or by contacting Tyler Shea at Blowin Smoke at 472-5878.